We’ve got sources telling us that Larson’s about to drop out. Looks as though it’s down to just one candidate, Shap Smith. Will update more when we get more details.
Okay, first update is Mark Larson’s e-mail:
Good morning,
Later this morning, I will be announcing that I am withdrawing from the Speakers race and supporting Shap as our next Speaker. Before doing that, I wanted to say thank you for supporting me in this campaign.
I entered this race because I know what we can accomplish as a state. Vermont has always been on the forefront of change and I believe we are at a crossroads that challenges us to lead once again.
As you know, elections are filled with ups and downs. What has sustained me during this race was the support of people like you who share my sense that we need to stand up for our values and stand with our neighbors who need our leadership now. I am immensely grateful that you were willing to put your faith in me.
Thank you.
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Mark
Also, per a fellow GMD front-pager:
Floyd Nease seems to have the Majority Leader position wrapped up, and its likely he may be the only candidate by tomorrow.
Another update: Mark Larson e-mailed me with a longer version of his e-mail that I’ll post after the fold.
And another update. Rep. Nease posts in the comments below: “This morning I received a call from Rep. Ancel in which she said she is withdrawing from the race prior to caucus tomorrow.” -odum
The first e-mail was the one he sent to his supporters. This is the one he sent to the entire caucus:
Dear friends,
For the past several weeks, I have had the pleasure of talking with members of our caucus about the challenges we face as a state. We have talked about how we as Democrats can be the leaders that help our state not merely survive difficult economic times, but build a stronger future for our communities.
To address our economic and political challenges, I believe that we need to lay out a clear vision for our state, demonstrate our support for working families more consistently and take advantage of the talented leaders within our caucus. Our agenda must respond to the challenges families and communities are facing and show that we can deliver results for the diverse interests represented in our caucus.
As we prepare for our work ahead, our most immediate task is the election of a leadership team that can unite us as a caucus and empower us to produce the work we are capable of. I have stated from the start the importance of a unified caucus. Our ability to be the responsible leaders that our state desperately needs is compromised if we break into factions unable to work together.
With this in mind, I am writing today to let you know that I am ending my campaign to become Speaker and urge all caucus members to work with me to elect Shap Smith the next Speaker of the House. My friend Shap has demonstrated that he is ready and able to be an excellent Speaker. He is prepared to help us define our priorities, defend our values and set a clear path to finding real solutions for our state. He is the leader to help us accomplish the work that Vermont depends on us to get done.
I also ask that you join me in electing Floyd Nease as Majority Leader, Lucy Leriche as Assistant Majority Leader, and Kathy Pellett as Caucus Clerk. Together, these outstanding people will form a great leadership team, one that we can be proud of. It is time for us to unite in support of them.
When I began my campaign for Speaker, I stated that I was excited to stand shoulder to shoulder with our caucus – a strong mix of experienced members and talented newcomers, prepared to take action on the critical issues facing our state. Today more that ever, I remain excited to be a part of our caucus. With the dawning of a new day in the White House, we stand ready to rise to the challenges faced by our state and nation. In such times, Vermont has always proven that we are leaders. Our state and nation look to us once again to do just this.
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow and to working together in the upcoming session.
Sincerely,
Mark Larson